The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
ART on 5th gallery debuts National Championship painting
05.03.2006 | Football
AUSTIN, Texas -- Every Texas Longhorns fan savors a favorite play from that game on Jan. 4, 2006. Maybe it was the Texas defense's successful fourth-down stand late in the game. Or, it could have been Vince Young's game-winning touchdown with just 19 seconds left on the clock.
Longhorns everywhere can relive those moments and more when 2006 National Sports Artist of the Year Opie Otterstad releases his painting from that momentous game. On May 6 and 7 in Austin, fans can see those spectacular plays and more in full color, when Otterstad and ART on 5th debut his 17 panel painting that celebrates the Longhorns' classic Rose Bowl victory over the University of Southern California. The measures nearly 5 feet tall and 9 feet wide.
Otterstad's championship painting is endorsed by UT Athletics and the Longhorn Foundation. Texas football fans can see it in person and meet the artist on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 7 from noon to 5 p.m. at ART on 5th, 1501 W. 5th St. in Austin. Admission is free. Signed and numbered limited editions giclees on canvas and lithographs on paper will be available for purchase, and sales benefit UT Athletics.
Otterstad was commissioned to create the national championship painting by Longhorn Foundation members Mary and Tony Gracely of Houston. With vivid color and lifelike though emblematic athletic forms, the national championship painting depicts many memorable plays from the game in Pasadena, including Michael Griffin's acrobatic second-quarter interception at the goal line, David Thomas fighting for more yards after a reception, the Texas defense's all- important fourth-down stop late in the game, and Vince Young's game- winning fourth-down touchdown run.
"To have an award-winning artist commemorate the football national championship in this way is an honor to UT Athletics," says Deloss Dodds, UT Men's Athletics Director. "We appreciate the generosity of the Gracelys and the time and effort that Opie gave to this painting."
The two-day show at ART on 5th also features 10 new Otterstad paintings that commemorate the Longhorns' victory over the USC Trojans and represent Otterstad's largest collection of works on a single subject completed successively. After its two-day showing at ART on 5th, Otterstad's national championship painting will hang permanently in Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletics Center located at the south end of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Otterstad's vivid collection of images - 17 panels in all - also capture traditional school icons such as mascot Bevo and The UT Tower; unforgettable celebratory moments including Mack Brown with the crystal championship trophy held high and Vince Young showered in multi-color confetti; and the scoreboard with the final score of the Longhorns' victory.
"Who will ever forget seeing Vince Young, standing and saluting the cheering crowd after the game that night?" recalls Otterstad. "As we watched him sign `hook 'em' to the stands, my father-in-law said `that would be a great painting.' And I started it that night.
"All of these images recall that incredible California night and the amazing comeback victory," Otterstad says. "I would have done this painting even if I was the only one to ever see it. There are connections throughout my life to this city and this school that compelled me to capture it on canvas."
"I've known Opie Otterstad for years, and he has become THE sports artist for America, continuing the legacy of now-retired artist Leroy Neiman," says Joe Sigel, owner of ART on 5th. "It is a privilege for ART on 5th to be premiering Opie's work in Austin and even more special that this is such an important painting for him, for Austin and for UT."
The print and giclee products are licensed by Collegiate Licensing Co., UT's trademark-licensing vendor, via Collegiate Marketing Services (CMS), which operates UT Athletics' Longhorns Ltd. stadium stores. After the two-day show at ART on 5th, remaining prints and giclees will be available at .
About Opie Otterstad
Sports fan and accomplished painter Opie Otterstad pursues his craft in order to "quell the ill will between sport and fine art." Otterstad is the official artist of the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame and has completed more than 1,300 original works of athletes and other luminaries in his 13-year career. His works include assignments to paint pictures honoring Houston Astros' pitcher Roger Clemens and former Astro Nolan Ryan; the Boston Red Sox 2004 World Series championship; the birthday of San Francisco Giants' manager Felipe Alou; and the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Lakers' 1985 championship series with the Boston Celtics. In December 2005, Otterstad was named the 2006 Sport Artist of the Year by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA), a division of the United States Sports Academy. He paints from his studio in Central Texas, where he lives with his wife and son. For more information, please visit or .
About ART on 5th
Founded by veteran gallery owner Joe Sigel in 1998, ART on 5th is an eclectic and welcoming gallery, twice voted Best Gallery in Austin by the Austin Chronicle. ART on 5th features famous artists such as Dr. Seuss, Miro and Picasso as well as works by outstanding undiscovered artists from around the world. It is recognized as a museum quality exhibit space with works that span genres, from traditional art by impressionist artists such as Leonard Wren, Royo and Marilyn Simandle to the contemporary impressionism of Hessam and Jamali. For more information, please visit .